862.01/9–1444: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:40 p.m.]
3661. Department’s attention is particularly invited to story reported in Legation’s press telegram 3592 of September 14 [13]11 (re Legation’s 3631 of September 12, 10 p.m. reporting details of British contact in Stockholm with executed Adam von Trott). Legation learns this article12 was written by Willy Brandt, young anti-Nazi German who has been subject of Legation’s 3412 August 31, 8 p.m., and despatch 4027 September 2.13 He is obviously well informed concerning opposition organizations and views. Department will note his account of von Trott’s views and British reaction and reply does not differ from British Legation account. Furthermore, article’s assertion that contacts were made by other routes than Stockholm is borne out by British Legation which says Foreign Office received reports of similar contacts by von Trott in Berne, Ankara and either Madrid or Lisbon.
With these indications of reliability of Brandt’s information, article can be considered as giving one of clearest glimpses yet obtained of organization and views of German opposition groups.
Legation learns indirectly from Brandt that Trott sought contact with Soviet Legation in Stockholm during last visit in June but contact could not be made in time.
Brandt believes July 20th plot was launched prematurely as outcome of Trott’s contacts with Allies in attempt to prove sincerity and existence of opposition movement.
Foregoing completes information currently in Legation’s hands concerning Trott and German opposition movement. Reference should also be made to Legation’s 2309, June 26, 9 p.m. and to 3562 [3592] September 11, 8 p.m.14 Taken together with press telegram under reference and Legation’s 3631, September 12, 10 p.m. these messages, based on information from German, Swedish, British and American sources, clearly indicate views of von Trott and German opposition, together with act [fact] that Trott was in contact with British but not with Russians. Information further gives definite basis for conclusion that an organization existed which was working to overthrow Hitler before July 20th, an organization which had wide-spread [Page 553] contacts and ramifications among leaders from most diverse political, economic, military and religious groups but which probably lacked wide popular foundation.